Thursday, February 6, 2025
Home Blog Page 12

This Chicago Bull Will Be Traded In The Next Nine Days

Jan 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) reach for a loose ball during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

While the most hype surrounds Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic in Chicago, neither will be the first asset to be traded away for Arturas Karnisovas. The best chance at a trade happening for the Bulls is to see a high-floor, surefire contributor go to a contending roster for a reasonable price. Karnisovas has shown that his value of Chicago’s assets is much steeper than their perceived worth on the market, which will ultimately prevent more trades from happening over the next week, as it has kept the Bulls from doing a flurry of transactions throughout his tenure with the franchise. There’s one name flying under the radar that a handful of playoff clubs are bidding for, and the Bulls’ alleged price tag is highly reasonable due to his specific circumstances. Who is the first to depart from Chicago, and what’s the expected return for his services?

Lonzo Ball Will Be Shipped To The Highest Bidder

The former UCLA Bruin second overall draft pick in 2017 is far and away the easiest Chicago Bull to trade away. His value is agreeable; he is a facilitating guard who plays above-average defense, has a consistent three-point shot, and can plug and play in several different systems and schemes. The Bulls would be wise to trade him because he’s on a contract that expires this summer and will indeed be headed elsewhere in unrestricted free agency in a few months, regardless. Since they’re out of the playoff hunt and don’t have much future draft capital stockpiled, this is a done deal.

Ball is relatively cheap, has a dependable value to any franchise, and would consider resigning a long-term deal with whoever brings him in for the final postseason push. Will Karnisovas strike while the iron is hot?

Might Be The Only Bull Traded

With Bradley Beal’s recent remarks confirming he would not waive his no-trade clause to join the Bulls in a Jimmy Butler blockbuster, Chicago’s chances of shipping LaVine off took a serious hit. The front office overvalues Vucevic, LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Coby White, which will result in them remaining with the organization past the trade cutoff despite several reasons for trading them away. In Vucevic and LaVine’s case, they’re currently aging former All-Stars and are among the most coveted on the trade market. They aren’t contributing to Chicago qualifying for the postseason and are consuming large chunks of the salary cap. In Williams’s case, the lack of development through five NBA seasons is undeniable, and his long-term contract should be moved at nearly any cost. No different than the prior four trade deadlines, much of the trade smoke will be a cloud of dust once the deadline has passed, extending Chicago’s streak of playoff absences to three seasons while retaining their oldest and most expensive contracts.

Does Karnisovas have to act to keep his job, or does he remain silent for his entire tenure with the Bulls? A quiet trade deadline from Chicago would create the most significant fanbase uproar in the last five years of stagnant movement from the current front office.

Recapping SoxFest Live: Reinsdorf’s Rare Appearance Derails Panel

As members of the White Sox front office and coaching staff fielded questions from fans, team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf made a rare public appearance. The 88-year-old stood on a balcony overlooking the Ramova Theatre, quietly listening as his franchise’s leaders spoke on stage. But the moment fans caught sight of him, the energy in the room shifted.

A murmur spread through the crowd as attention drifted from the panel to the man above. Within seconds, a fan’s voice cut through the noise: “Sell the team!” Reinsdorf quickly vanished from view, but by then, the panel had already spiraled off course.

It was a fitting metaphor for the weekend—entertaining, slightly chaotic, and at times, completely off the rails.

A New Era of SoxFest

After a five-year hiatus, the White Sox revived their annual fan convention under a new name—SoxFest Live. But instead of hosting it at a large venue like the Hilton or McCormick Place, they opted for a more intimate setting at the historic Ramova Theatre.

While the Ramova, with its 96 years of history, is a beautiful venue, the space—designed for a 1,500-person concert crowd—felt more like a backdrop for the Chicago Dogs than the Chicago White Sox. Given the team’s back-to-back 100-loss seasons, this smaller venue was likely a calculated move, uncertain of how many fans would show up.

The entire weekend centered around reigniting enthusiasm from the fanbase. On Friday, the White Sox hosted members of the 2005 World Series team, highlighted by an announcement that Mark Buehrle would be getting a statue outside of Rate Field. Buehrle celebrated the occasion by buying everyone in attendance a beer- noting that Reinsdorf helped cover the tab to the delight of the crowd. 

The White Sox also unveiled a series of promotions for the upcoming season that commemorate the team’s 125th anniversary. The promotions include the weekend bobblehead collectors series, jerseys, hats and hoodies, replica statues, and a working radio.  The organization even played a video from the Section 108 podcast to help show off some of the bobbleheads they would be giving away. 

Fans Take Over the “State of the Sox” Panel

However, on Saturday, things got tense during the White Sox “State of the Sox” panel. The panel featured White Sox broadcasters Steve Stone and Jon Schriffen, manager Will Venable, bench coach Walker McKiven, assistant general manager Josh Barfield, and director of player personnel Gene Watson. 

Schriffen began by reading questions sent in by fans. However, the questions were along the lines of “Who is an under-the-radar reliever to watch for this season”. The frustrated bunch of fans in attendance were not having it. Fans began blurring out questions, demanding to know what was going to be done to hold players accountable and how many wins they can expect this season. 

Schriffen tried his best to control the crowd, before eventually deciding to ditch the pre-planned questions and hear from the crowd. Everyone on the panel looked visibly uncomfortable as the crowd turned hostile, which was only fueled by Reinsdorf making an appearance from the balcony. Before the panel was mercifully ended, Watson pointed out that many of the people on stage were new to the organization had had nothing to do with the past failures, and that they were working tirelessly to right the ship. The message, however, did little to calm the crowd.

Missed Opportunities

Part of the frustration was also fueled by the way the event was set up. With a slightly larger crowd in attendance, fans who paid for general admission struggled to find room in the series of folding chairs the White Sox crammed together. The rows of chairs were backed so tight it was difficult to move in and out of traffic. 

There were also no announcements about when player appearances were occurring. One minute, you’d be watching White Sox players play pop a shot, and the next, Freddy Garcia was standing in the back of the room taking photos with fans. The lines for these photo ops were also disorganized. For an event that is supposed to be catered to growing the fan base, it was not very kid-friendly. 

Those seeking autographs either had to pay extra for a special wristband or hope they were in the right place at the right time when players appeared at one of the two setups they had on the main floor. 

Colson Montgomery dominated in Pop-A-Shot, Kyle Teel shared his passion for music, and Braden Montgomery came across as a humble, down-to-earth kid who was excited to play baseball.  This next generation of Sox players exuded charisma and enthusiasm—something the franchise desperately needs as it rebuilds both on and off the field.

Given it was the first year of the new SoxFest live format, hiccups were to be expected. But SoxFest Live did not have the same special feel as the SoxFest of the past. But even after a 121-loss season, a handful of die-hard fans still showed up to show love for an organization that rarely returns the favor.

Apparently People Around NFL Think Declan Doyle Was A Steal By The Bears

declan doyle

Ben Johnson’s first big coordinator move wasn’t a surprise. He needed a proven defensive coordinator to complement his offense. Dennis Allen became his choice. The former New Orleans Saints head coach is widely respected for his defensive play-calling. Johnson saved his swerve for the offensive side when he hired 28-year-old Declan Doyle to take over coordinating duties. This was easily one of the young people ever to take on the job in league history. While he won’t be calling plays, it was still somewhat odd. One would think Johnson might prefer somebody with more experience.

People inside the NFL don’t seem nearly as shocked. Nicholas Moreano caught up with a few league employees down at the Senior Bowl in Alabama. He asked around about the new Bears offensive coordinator. The feedback he got suggests Johnson knew exactly what he was doing with this hire.

Declan Doyle seems to be on the same path as Johnson.

Former Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz told the story of how he visited the Miami Dolphins training camp in the mid-2010s. While watching practice, he took note of a young assistant coach who seemed to be everywhere and on top of everything. When he asked then-head coach Adam Gase about the guy, Gase said, “He’s going to be a superstar.” That young coach was Johnson. It seems as if history might be repeating itself. Declan Doyle is having a similar rapid rise up the ranks. He may not be proven, but his intelligence, work ethic, and attention to detail have caught the eyes of many. The fact people are surprised it took him this long to get a coordinator job (he’s been in the league for only six years) should tell you everything. Chicago may have landed a good one before anybody else recognized it.

Sounds Like Ben Johnson Is Planning Big Changes To Bears Roster

ben johnson
Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears new head coach Ben Johnson enters as he’s introduced at a press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears went 5-12. That is not good. Bill Parcells famously said you are what your record says you are. This suggests the Bears are a bad team. Now, obviously, such questions are complicated. While the product on the field might not be good, it doesn’t mean the Bears lack the talent necessary to get better. Several experts believe this roster is capable of going much further. It is a question of whether they get the right coaching after the Matt Eberflus debacle. That is why Ben Johnson was hired as the new head coach.

He was quick to praise several players across the roster, on offense and defense. However, don’t be fooled. Parcells had another saying.

“If they want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries.”

In other words, it is safe to assume that Johnson might not be married to several players on the roster and would prefer to get some more in line with his vision. His agent, Rick Smith, hinted on 670 The Score that the coach would have a key voice in personnel decisions and could be planning considerable changes.

Ben Johnson likely has a short list of untouchable players.

They will include Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, Darnell Wright, Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson, Gervon Dexter, and Kyler Gordon. Maybe there are a handful of others, but that’s it. Everybody else can be considered expendable for one reason or another. There is no question that changes are coming along the offensive line after it allowed 67 sacks last season. It is also probable that the running back room will be overhauled. Don’t forget Detroit dumped D’Andre Swift after Johnson took over as offensive coordinator.

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen may like his initial setup on that side of the ball, but his personnel preferences don’t likely mirror Eberflus. That could lead to some unexpected adjustments. The point is there might be changes coming Bears fans aren’t ready for. Yet that is the reality of things when you hire a new head coach. Ben Johnson was brought in to turn this into a championship-caliber team. It is a safe bet a large portion of players on this roster don’t fit the bill in his eyes.

Rome Odunze Brutally Honest On Bears Hiring Ben Johnson

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears made waves by securing the top coaching candidate of this cycle, Ben Johnson. Since then, the media has been full of praise for Chicago’s big move. Johnson also impressed in his introductory press conference, where several key offensive players—Caleb Williams, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze—were in attendance. When asked for his honest thoughts on the coaching change on Bleacher Report’s Deebo Samuel Podcast, Odunze didn’t hold back, expressing his excitement for this new era of Bears football.

“I think Ben is a tremendous coach, play-caller, certified.”

Odunze also spoke about his strong relationship with Caleb Williams as they head into the offseason. He also shared that he never bought into the media’s negative portrayal of Williams during his college career. Now, both are gearing up to usher in a new era of Bears football with momentum on their side given the new regime.

Now the offseason has just begun, but there’s already a fresh energy at Halas Hall. A complete reset, combined with some of the best coaching hires Chicago has seen in years, has brought new life to the Bears. With a strong foundation in place on both offense and defense, key players like Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams are critical to the team’s future. Now, it’s up to Ben Johnson to unlock their full potential—and it seems Rome believes he’s the right man for the job.

Bears Building An Avengers-Level Coaching Staff For Caleb Williams

Cubs Replace Young Infielder with Veteran Free Agent

May 28, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Luis Vazquez (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs made a few acquisitions official on Tuesday, announcing the trade for Ryan Pressly and also the signing of veteran infielder Jon Berti. The 35-year-old played for the New York Yankees in 2024, and agreed to a one-year deal with the Cubs for the 2025 season.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Berti the Cubs designated 25-year-old infielder Luis Vázquez for assignment.

Berti will reportedly earn a base salary of $2 million for the 2025 season and has an additional $1.3 million available in incentives.

Vázquez, who made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2024, wasn’t used much at all during his two stints with the club last season. He was first called up on May 21, but was sent back down to Triple-A on May 30. The infielder returned to the big leagues in August and stayed up through the end of the regular season. Vázquez got a total of 14 plate appearances and played in a total of 11 games.

Vázquez broke out offensively in 2023, posting an .817 OPS with 20 home runs in 124 games between Double-A and Triple-A. His numbers dipped in 2024, as Vázquez slashed .263/.347/.432 with the Iowa Cubs. The right-handed hitter was only 1-for-12 in his brief playing time in the big leagues.

A great glove at shortstop, Vázquez has the skillset to start at the position in MLB, but the bat is a serious question mark, so it’ll be interesting to see if he’s picked up or not by a team on waivers. You can read more about Berti and his likely role on the 2025 team below.

(Previous Update)

Truth is that no free agent infielder was really going to excite Cubs fans at this point of the offseason, but Jon Berti is pretty damn solid as the veteran bench player to back up Matt Shaw and give the team cover for Nico Hoerner.

The Cubs reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with Berti on Wednesday night. FanSided’s Robert Murray had the signing first.

You can tell how much Berti was valued by the Cubs because despite being limited to only 25 games in 2024 with the New York Yankees the 35-year-old secured a guaranteed deal in Chicago.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Berti will make $2 million and has the chance to earn an additional $1.3 million in incentives.

Berti has a career 95 wRC+ in 461 MLB games, so he’s been a bit below league average since making his debut in 2018. The right-handed hitter was a late bloomer, getting his first cup off coffee in the big leagues with the Toronto Blue Jays and then settling into a utility role with the Miami Marlins from 2019-2023.

The infielder has started games at second, third and shortstop, while also starting 63 games in the outfield.

The numbers aren’t going to jump off the page, but Berti has been a solid role player for several years. In 2022 and 2023, he was worth 2.2 fWAR and 2.1 fWAR with the Marlins. Berti plays good defense and is a good base runner. In 2022, Berti stole 41 bases in 102 games.

Berti has a career slash line of .259/.337/.366. He’s not going to hit for much power, Berti’s career high in a single season in home runs is seven in 424 plate appearances in 2023. He ended that year with a 101 wRC+, slashing .294/.344/.405.

He’ll also take his fair share of walks, carrying a career 9.6 BB%.

The concern is that Berti is coming off a calf injury that sidelined him from the end of May until the second week of September last season. He ended the year slashing .273/.342/.318, in 74 plate appearances. Hopefully that leg injury hasn’t taken away too much of Berti’s athleticism and can still be a versatile player for the 2025 Cubs.

Obviously you’re not thinking of Berti as an every-day player for the Cubs, but as insurance early in the season with Hoerner’s status unclear for Opening Day he’s a fine addition to the roster.

Again, is this a blockbuster move? No. The Cubs aren’t going after Alex Bregman, he’s out of the question. The Cubs want Matt Shaw to play third base and they’re not going to block him. So, signing Berti, who can fill in if the rookie struggles, is completely acceptable, while he also provides a backup option at second base and shortstop.

Chicago Bears Now Almost Certain To Pursue Notable Free Agent

chicago bears
Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) rush off the field against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Whenever a new coaching staff comes in, the smart money to bet is on those coaches urging the front office to pursue certain players in free agency. Players they know and believe they can make good use of. One of the first things Matt Eberflus did upon taking over the Chicago Bears in 2022 was bring in veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. There is every reason to think that Ben Johnson and his new staff will do the same. One man who has plenty of connections to the upcoming free agent class is defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Chicago needs defensive line help going into next year. While free agency isn’t likely where they’re going to find their next stud, it could be where they seek some much-needed depth. One name Allen is certain to push for is Marcus Davenport. The 28-year-old was a 1st round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2018. Over his first four years, during which Allen was the defensive coordinator, he had 21.5 sacks in 48 games. That includes nine in just 11 games in 2021.

Unfortunately, his effectiveness dipped after leaving the team in 2023, much of it due to injury setbacks.

The Chicago Bears have every reason to take a flier on Davenport.

His health issues mean he will likely come cheap. He is still on the younger side, which means he has a chance to rebound. Allen knows him better than anybody. The fact he won’t be a starter means the wear and tear on his body won’t be as severe. If the Chicago Bears can get him even remotely close to his 2021 form, their defensive line will be much more formidable than last season. Davenport isn’t the only one, too. Chase Young is another name Allen worked with this past season. He has familiarity with Montez Sweat as well from their time in Washington together. Presuming the Bears focus their big money on the offensive line, this would be a fiscally responsible move to continue helping their defense.

White Sox Turn Heads In International Free Agency With Key Additions

Jul 3, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of the American flag in the Sox logo on an official White Sox New Era on field hat during the game of the Chicago White Sox against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

For all their faults, the White Sox have historically done very well in international free agency. Their biggest free agent signing came in the form of Jose Abreu, who was the best player on the White Sox for almost a decade. On top of Abreu, the White Sox have done well with other names such as Luis Robert Jr. and Alexei Ramirez.

Recently, the international free agency period opened, with top prospect Roki Sasaki signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite having a presentation for Sasaki prepared, it didn’t seem like the White Sox were ever real players for him.

Even though they missed out on Sasaki, the White Sox put together a very solid international free agent class, headlined by a power hitting infielder and a player they were able to steal from the Dodgers.

This is a very solid list, as not only is Orlando Patino, the player they stole from the Dodgers highly ranked, infielder Alejandro Cruz is ranked higher, as he commanded a signing bonus north of two million dollars. MLB Pipleline had him ranked as the 33rd best prospect in the class.

This is what MLB Pipeline had to say about Cruz:

“A hitter who shows advanced aptitude in using his weight to help him generate power from his short right-handed swing, Cruz profiles as a middle-of-the-order bat in the future. His home run power is currently primarily to his pull side, but with line-to-line ability and a simple approach that doesn’t need many tweaks, there’s reason to think there is a lot more pop to be unlocked. At 6-foot-3, evaluators believe his current 180-pound frame could hold 20+ pounds or more, which would not hamper his simple hitting approach due to his already better-than-average eye at the plate.”

MLB Pipeline

Unfortunately, fans won’t see these players in the minor leagues for a few years as most of them are 16 or 17 years old. It is likely that they play in the White Sox Dominican Summer League for a few seasons before eventually making it over to the United States to play in the minor leagues.

Cruz is the best prospect here, as scouts hold him in high regards. However, Patino is also a very promising prospect.

This is what Ben Badler of Baseball America had to say about Patiño:

“Patiño is 6-foot-2, 203 pounds and extremely strong for his age with big righthanded power. There isn’t much physical projection left with Patiño, but he already drives the ball with impact in a swing geared to lift the ball. He’s a corner outfielder with a plus arm to fit in right field.” 

Ben Badler, Baseball America

While international prospects are typically a crapshoot, the White Sox have completely revamped their international scouting department, so hopefully that will translate to a more consistent pipeline of talent from these international classes.

The Bulls Have Named Their Price For Moving Zach LaVine

Dec 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) dribbles against Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns have a ten-day timer to complete a deal that sends Jimmy Butler out West and Bradley Beal elsewhere. This deal will likely set the bar, or drive the bargaining power, of a potential Zach LaVine trade out of Chicago. He represents a comparable contract to Butler and Beal, cheaper to be exact, and is several years younger than both. Milwaukee has been rumored to want in on the action, but without a desirable asset to trade away to the Bulls alone, it’s likely that a third team, or a new destination entirely, will be the resolution if a trade is completed before the February 6th cutoff. What has Chicago demanded to send away LaVine, and will any potential suitors be able to oblige?

Three First-Round Picks

Per Evan Sidery, an NBA contributor for Forbes, the Bulls have been engaged in LaVine trade talks for at least a month, some dating back to last year’s trade deadline. With the final countdown for playoff contending teams to add talent before the deadline, the Bulls have made it known what they expect in return for their two-time All-Star guard. Beal has said that he will not play in Chicago, but the asking price from the Bulls to move LaVine will not waver and is still applicable to other trade partners.

Is swapping LaVine for assets that won’t aid in a win-now scenario worth three first-round draft selections? Considering Chicago has very little future draft stock and is headed for a third consecutive season without a postseason appearance, there’s nothing to lose. This would bring a new face to the franchise and add draft stock to reinforce the organization’s future.

Jimmy Butler Indefinitely Suspended

Butler’s antics in Miami continued yesterday afternoon as he reportedly stormed off the practice floor shortly after learning he’d be coming off the bench upon return from his two-game suspension. His tenure with the Heat has come to an abrupt and ugly end. What was once an excellent marriage for the franchise and former All-Star has become a headache for both sides. Luckily for Chicago and Phoenix fans, this will only speed up the process and ensure he’s gone by the trade deadline next week.

Will this year’s deadline see one of the most massive blockbuster deals of the past decade, or will it all go up in smoke before next Wednesday?

We Finally Know Why Dennis Allen Was Ben Johnson’s Target For DC

dennis allen
Aug 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen stands on the field before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Johnson knew the most important hire for his staff was the defensive coordinator. He would need somebody who could handle that side of the ball with lots of autonomy while he took care of things on offense. The name that surfaced almost immediately was Dennis Allen, the former New Orleans Saints head coach. It was a minor surprise since the two had never worked together before. However, Allen had worked with Dan Campbell in New Orleans, which likely helped lead to a bridge of communication between the two.

Still, Allen being a big name couldn’t have been the only reason Johnson wanted him on his staff. Sure enough, details finally emerged courtesy of Albert Breer of The MMQB. Much of the allure stems from how Allen runs his defense. Johnson wants to deploy a unit that emulates much of what the Detroit Lions accomplished over the past three years under Aaron Glenn. As it turns out, Glenn got his primary education from Allen when they two were together in New Orleans.

Dennis Allen has a clear vision for the defenses he runs.

Two themes tend to develop when he’s in charge. He wanted strong and explosive defensive linemen and ballhawk defensive backs. This is the exact method Detroit employed with Glenn. Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill were two dynamic linemen who could win with power or quickness. Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and Terrion Arnold all had reputations for taking the ball away. Throw in linebackers who are outstanding run defenders, and you’ve got a picture of Allen’s defensive formula.

The good news is that the Bears are already somewhat equipped in that department. Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter fill the strong, explosive defensive linemen void. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson are solid ballhawks. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are solid run defenders. Dennis Allen has plenty to work with upon arrival. Still, it will be interesting to see how the team attacks the coming off-season to better fit his vision.